Summary:

Bishnu Datta Paudel, priest of Sahajpur-4, Kailali district, represents non-Dalit community. The priest is regarded as sacred person from ‘higher caste’. He didn’t eat anything given by other caste people other than his family members. Initially, he had no idea about cast-based discriminations is a punishable crime. People were discriminated in accessing water taps, health services and other services in the community. No one dared to go against such discriminatory culture. People from Dalit community were deprived of participating in local forums, training and other program. He got to know about Anti CBD act, 2068 during HR education workshop and other various programs organized by the Rastriya Dalit Network Nepal in his village. After knowing about act and laws, he tried to change himself realizing his mistakes. His daughter-in-law shares that before her father in law didn’t eat anything sitting with people of another caste and it was difficult to offer food to guests in their home. She is surprised to know that he has given up all discriminatory cultures that he has been following and it is easier to work in her home. She would like to give all credit to awareness created by various activities organized by RDN Nepal and defining CBSD as human rights issues.

Challenges:

Discriminatory culture and customs are still rampant in society. This has invited complications in the society. Dalits are deprived of enjoy their rights since very beginning of caste system in Nepal. Nobody dares to break the culture and obeys silently by the fear of being boycotted from the society.

Initiative:

Human Rights education has helped to create awareness among the public. It has sensitized the issue CBD&U and existing legal provision. According to Bishnu Dutta’s daughter-in-law, her father-in-law was very strict in terms of following religious rituals and was not convinced in anti CBD acts. Currently, he has changed all of his pas habits. Since the priest himself involved in anti CBSD activities it has greatly helped locals to raise voices against discretionary practices. Things are now significantly changed after priest himself acted against social discriminations.

Results:

Elderly people are often unconvinced to go against traditional discriminatory cultures and traditions. But 75-years old Mr. Bishnu has changed himself. Priest Bishnu, who was firm in terms of caste, is now contributing to change society as a role model character.